Folding Bikes - GoBike travel at PRC

This weekend I visited one of the district at China Mainland with my Gobike.
Here I would like to share you some photo.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n224/jj_c0/20071117HP/56bcd312.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n224/jj_c0/20071117HP/59.jpg

very nice. thanks

Wow !
Very nice !

preferences/view/desktop/<click>
:D

That's really awesome! Wish I was there.

--sam

Ooooh. I'm going there Spring next year, so hopefully, like you, I'll have pics to share. I'm thinking about taking my folder, but I don't know if it'll fit in a suitcase. Oh well.

Very nice pictures, keep them coming!

Thank you for sharing.

thanks all, Still manage quite some photo. Will post later.


Ooooh. I'm going there Spring next year, so hopefully, like you, I'll have pics to share. I'm thinking about taking my folder, but I don't know if it'll fit in a suitcase. Oh well.

Hey, why you plan to bring a folder to a bike paradise. Buy one there and you won't regret.:D

Hey, why you plan to bring a folder to a bike paradise. Buy one there and you won't regret.:D

Haha, maybe I'll do that, but I need to save up more first. How much are the prices there?

Very nice! Seems like the perfect bike for rough roads.

Looks like good old Chinese air. I think I took a few years off my life riding around Beijing.

Very nice! Seems like the perfect bike for rough roads.

Looks like good old Chinese air. I think I took a few years off my life riding around Beijing.

Go there as soon as you can.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n224/jj_c0/20071117HP/85.jpg

Haha, maybe I'll do that, but I need to save up more first. How much are the prices there?

Well, it depends what do u expect. Remember one things.

Import product = far high than outside
Export product = always a bit cheaper than what you expect.

For example, you may get the single speed steel frame 16" folder around USD 40. more you expect will be more expensive. I think it's fair.

Well, it depends what do u expect. Remember one things.

Import product = far high than outside
Export product = always a bit cheaper than what you expect.

For example, you may get the single speed steel frame 16" folder around USD 40. more you expect will be more expensive. I think it's fair.

Sweet. I'll save up and keep my eyes open for interesting stuff.

We bought a nice pair of aluminum Xideshengs there. These single speed bikes with Kendas crawled, but they only weighed in at 8Kg. Not bad for $70, and they had a decent hinge (same as the Downtube) and a decent fold. I vaguely contemplated modifying one, but we sold them instead.

The Dahon Piccolo 3 speed (forerunner to the Curve) was $140.

[Edit: Add 10% to these prices now, as this was before the yuan began to gain value against the dollar.]

Some more photo at that trip:D

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n224/jj_c0/20071117HP/20.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n224/jj_c0/20071117HP/23.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n224/jj_c0/20071117HP/37.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n224/jj_c0/20071117HP/32.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n224/jj_c0/20071117HP/55.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n224/jj_c0/20071117HP/70.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n224/jj_c0/20071117HP/1d16ee0f.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n224/jj_c0/20071117HP/a57e47d9.jpg

Great photos! Now I'm really, really looking forward to my China tour next year!!! ^_^

Great photos! Now I'm really, really looking forward to my China tour next year!!! ^_^

Which area you will visit? South, North...? And how long will your trip plan?

Which area you will visit? South, North...? And how long will your trip plan?

We're going to Beijing and Shanghai, one week in each city. Evenings will be spent in choir practice/performance, and we have some scheduled sight-seeing tours, but during my free time I'd love to explore the cities on a bike.

We're going to Beijing and Shanghai, one week in each city. Evenings will be spent in choir practice/performance, and we have some scheduled sight-seeing tours, but during my free time I'd love to explore the cities on a bike.

If in Beijing, please bring a anti pollution mask. As the road had a not of sand and dust.

If in Beijing, please bring a anti pollution mask. As the road had a not of sand and dust.

Eek! Thanks for telling me. I'm horribly asthmatic :o

I have been to China three times, and unfortunately, the air & water quality seems to be getting progressively worse. Our last trip was at the tail end of the SARS incident. I want to take the family back there for site-seeing and general touring, but recent reports do make me question the good sense of exposing the kids to the worsening conditions.

But it sure does sound like you are having a blast! Thanks for the pics.

Eek! Thanks for telling me. I'm horribly asthmatic :o

Don't be so nervous, just bring one in case you need it. I'm not sure you can find such things there.

I have been to China three times, and unfortunately, the air & water quality seems to be getting progressively worse. Our last trip was at the tail end of the SARS incident. I want to take the family back there for site-seeing and general touring, but recent reports do make me question the good sense of exposing the kids to the worsening conditions.

But it sure does sound like you are having a blast! Thanks for the pics.

Those pollution is not everywhere. It's good when you go country side. In the city...I think everywhere had a same problem. Everybody drive made the situation even worse. That's why....I ride.

Finally take sometime to upload some photo since last year.

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n224/jj_c0/20080311-13XT/11/14.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n224/jj_c0/20080311-13XT/12/37.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n224/jj_c0/20080311-13XT/12/45.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n224/jj_c0/20080311-13XT/12/22.jpg

With my friend's Tyrell SZ
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n224/jj_c0/20080311-13XT/12/18.jpg
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n224/jj_c0/20080311-13XT/13/18.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n224/jj_c0/IMG_1349.jpg

Nice pics! Thanks for posting. Both the GoBike and the Tyrell look great. :)

Color me jealous.
--sam

Hi Orange the Go bike and the photos of your tour look great!

I'd be very grateful for your views on riidng the Go as it always seemed like a fantastic bike to look at spec and looks wise!

I like your shiny orange bike :)

Does anybody know if anybody sells it in the UK?:bike2:

No Jooise would have to be ordered from a dealer on the continent in Belgium most likely. Gobike have weird and limited distribution and never reply from their main website. See:
http://www.ingear.be/gobike/en/dealersgb.asp
They would probably ship and sell.

Looks fantastic but a reg on heree Chop drom Wales had one and wasn't impressed. A few others sung its praises so mixed reviews. Looks fantastic though and certainly not low-end!

Oh well, I guess I will continue my lusting for a Carry Me DS then lol. Besides, I look like to much of a shambles for the GoBike. I'd have to 'upgrade' my look, maybe start using morsteriser..? (You see, I'm such a mans mans I can't even spell that lol.. oh wait, now I'm remember, I'm deslexic and no thats not a joke me not being able to spell deslexic lol) :cry:

what is your opinion of the handling and reliability of the GOBIKE ?

can you show us pic of your go bike when it's folded.

can you show us pic of your go bike when it's folded.


http://images.asia.ru/img/104085/Go-Bike-folded.JPG

Hi Orange,

I see that you have changed the cables, ( colour and routing ) on your GOBIKE. I find it's easy to tangle the cables when folding, but then I just got the bike yesterday.

I also seem to see a back carrier on some pics, where did you get this ?

regards,

Joe

also, have you had to adjust the front fork articulated hinge bolt. I find that folding and unfolding the hinge is a bit stiff, it does not fall forward when I relaease the safety catch. I assume it must be quite tight in order to prevent any wobbling.

http://images.asia.ru/img/104085/Go-Bike-folded.JPG

nice fold. minimalist....can you roll it when it's folded, too ?

Hi Orange,

I see that you have changed the cables, ( colour and routing ) on your GOBIKE. I find it's easy to tangle the cables when folding, but then I just got the bike yesterday.

I also seem to see a back carrier on some pics, where did you get this ?

regards,

Joe
Hi Joe,
The cable route under BB will have great improve for folding. My Gobike is old version. I change the way how the new version route.
The back carrier I bought from a Net friend from China Mainland.

This looks fairly awesome and I'm sure rides beautifully but does it rest on the rear triangle when folded? Surely that'd get scratched to hell.

This UK website have the gobike listed at just under £900:

http://www.foldingbikes.biz/html/go_bike_motion_x9_.html

Hi Orange,

I've now have several weeks of use and about 100 kms under my belt with my GOBIKE so I can now assess its merits. In a word, I think the GOBIKE is fantastic, The ride is very comfortable, the brakes are perfect, and the 8 speeds provide a balanced range for efficient pedaling. The design and overall quality are very impressive. The articulated front suspension is a design tour de force.

The only minor issue is that I find it's better to be in a higher gear before folding, otherwise the chain sometimes slips off and jams. I wonder if you have experienced this as well.

regards,

Joe

Hi Orange,

I've now have several weeks of use and about 100 kms under my belt with my GOBIKE so I can now assess its merits. In a word, I think the GOBIKE is fantastic, The ride is very comfortable, the brakes are perfect, and the 8 speeds provide a balanced range for efficient pedaling. The design and overall quality are very impressive. The articulated front suspension is a design tour de force.

The only minor issue is that I find it's better to be in a higher gear before folding, otherwise the chain sometimes slips off and jams. I wonder if you have experienced this as well.

regards,

Joe

Hi Joe,
Happy to heard that you like your Gobike .... as what I did. Actually I tried 2 years to find another folder but not suceed yet. I'm not saying that it's perfect. But it fit most my requirement.
Vertical fold, full suspension (even spring, but it pleasure me a lot when I travel), Disc Brake (can brake all weather), Don't need to uninstall the front wheel when you fold)

Higher the gear before you fold is one of the hints at the instruction manual. You didn't read it yet...?;)

Just don't know why they don't have any improve or new design rolling out..... : (

Hi all, have owned my GoBike for 5 years but unridable for the last 2 since the company was sold and my ability to get spares parts ended. I've been riding my Bromptons but this thread makes me yearn to get on the GoBike. Here's my problem: the front fork relies on the compressive action of the spring, which is held in polace by a cam nut at either end. One of the cam nuts has a sheared screw which makes the spring unsecured. The rear shock is held by a neoprene strap, which is beginning to tear.


I've emailed the American, European and Asian GoBike distributors and several stores in Europe that carry the GoBike and in all cases either no response or a "no" response for the spare parts. Before I visit a machinist to get a custom replacement, any ideas out there?

Hi all, have owned my GoBike for 5 years but unridable for the last 2 since the company was sold and my ability to get spares parts ended. I've been riding my Bromptons but this thread makes me yearn to get on the GoBike. Here's my problem: the front fork relies on the compressive action of the spring, which is held in polace by a cam nut at either end. One of the cam nuts has a sheared screw which makes the spring unsecured. The rear shock is held by a neoprene strap, which is beginning to tear.


I've emailed the American, European and Asian GoBike distributors and several stores in Europe that carry the GoBike and in all cases either no response or a "no" response for the spare parts. Before I visit a machinist to get a custom replacement, any ideas out there?

Hard to tell from the small pictures, but if the screw is sheared, as in the head broke off and the threads are still in the piece, it's a fairly simple matter to drill out the old threads and either replace the bolt or tap the hole to the next size up and install a new bolt.. a decent bike shop should be able to do that as well as just about any automotive machine shop...

I like your rear damper:love:

It's great to see there are other GOBIKE owners out there. For the front suspension I'd go to a machine shop, it seems to me it's worth say 100$ US. Maybe you could get it for less.

For the rear strap, I would guess that it could be replaced with a similar material, say Kevlar. I'm sure Chop would have a more technical and knowledgeable opinion on these points. Chop, are you there ?

I was wondering why the front suspension bolt on your GOBIKE sheared. Was it the result of high mileage, or very rough terrain?

My guess is metal fatigue. The bolt is screwed tight to create a compressive force on the cam to hold the spring in place. I never took the bike offroad and my usual ride is on the Greenway or the streets of Manhattan; I'm also around 150 pounds so not a lot of weight bearing on the front fork.

Hmmm! These two faults highlight two of my main concerns,
(a) I complained to Le Groupe Go! about that soft strap at the rear & the fact that my rear swing-arm is only secured by it and the overcentre clamp which you tighten, this makes for a wobbly ride on long bumpy corners.
(b) The front suspension spring has no damper, I bought some Birdy elastomers of varying strengths, but, then found that as the spring collars are tightened internally, using allen head screws, it was difficult to get an allen key in between the spring coils to undo them and then impossible to re-assemble with an elastomer in place! Grrrr! This meant, Yes, you've guessed it! A bouncy ride on long bumpy curves.
Bouncy & Wobbly is not good! LOL!
I was considering fitting a mini air shock in place of the spring (it has been done on a Japanese Birdy)
I got into all sorts of discussions with Phllipe Brook, the designer, on here, by e-mail & by phone.
He promised that he would meet me and 'adjust the set-up' when he came to England. If he came to England, he didn't get in touch, and in any case, I don't see how adjusting a flawed set-up would fix basic engineering deficiencies.

Quote Chagzuki :- but does it rest on the rear triangle when folded? Surely that'd get scratched to hell.
Yes, the rear swing-arm rests on the ground, and yes, it does get scratched to hell!

I still love the look of my GoBike, I just wish it was engineered as well as (and handled like) a Birdy!

The GoBike folk promised the Earth but after five years, still no support, spares or accessories.

Wish I'd bought the new style Birdy instead! HoHum!

Does anyone know how I could get a Shibuya Sky Shock like the front shock that I've shown in the last post? I'd like to try to mod my front suspension.
It also seems that my GoBike was supplied with an inferior, non-adjustable rear shock. GGRRRR!

Does anyone know how I could get a Shibuya Sky Shock like the front shock that I've shown in the last post? I'd like to try to mod my front suspension.
It also seems that my GoBike was supplied with an inferior, non-adjustable rear shock. GGRRRR!

Hi Chop,
For rear suspension, you many try KinShock AD-5. But you many need to modify a bit the rear triangle.
Other alternative rear damper is cane creek.